Uttar Pradesh numero uno in Amrit Sarovars construction
Uttar Pradesh
has emerged as the state with the highest number of Amrit Sarovars in the country, having constructed and rejuvenated 16,630 ponds — three times the original target of 5,550 — since the launch of the programme in 2022.
This project, along with others aimed at improving the state's groundwater situation received a fresh impetus this week as the state observes 'Groundwater Week'.
Madhya Pradesh secured the second spot with 5,839 ponds, followed by Chhattisgarh (2,902), Bihar (2,613), Haryana (2,088), Jharkhand (2,048), and Punjab (1,450), said a govt spokesperson.
The state govt has also launched several other water conservation initiatives.
These include the Khet Talab Yojana, efforts to revive extinct rivers through the 'One District-One River' scheme, promotion of irrigation techniques such as sprinkler and drip systems, incorporation of groundwater harvesting structures in building construction, and development of multipurpose ponds along riverbanks.
Under the Khet Talab Yojana, the govt has helped construct 37,403 farm ponds since 2017–18, providing up to 50% subsidy on construction costs to farmers.
Under the river revival programme, all district magistrates have been instructed to revive at least one river in their respective districts.
In areas where groundwater levels have remained low for the past 10 years, at least one-fourth of farmers are being encouraged to adopt water-saving technologies. "These initiatives have shown positive results, with 29 districts reporting improvements in groundwater levels. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath introduced water conservation practices at Gorakhnath Temple around 10 years ago. He identified four spots prone to waterlogging and had rainwater harvesting pits installed there," said the spokesperson.
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The 48.5-km Noon spans 34 gram panchayats, originating from Rampur Narua's Kanhaiya lake and culminating into the Ganga near Bithoor. Besides old satellite images, the Noon was also mapped with the help of drones and remote surveys, which revealed the river had become too narrow in places or had dry patches. Officials said they had to work on almost half of the river's natural path, measuring around 24 km. 'Bahut mushkil hui thi convince karne mein (convincing the villagers to help with the river's revival was tough),' said Pandey, who roped in local women to convince the other villagers to participate in the exercise, either through shramdaan (volunteer work) or under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Beside the flowing river, a bright yellow plaque — with a blue border and MGNREGA project details, and three red steps — is the only sign of the herculean task undertaken from February 22 onwards. 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